Orthodontic appliances and materials for making same

Abstract

The polymeric shell of a removable dental positioning appliance is formed from transparent polymeric materials having a tensile strength at yield of greater than 6,000 pounds per square inch (psi), an elongation at yield of greater than 4%, an elongation at break of greater than 80%, a tensile modulus greater than 200,000 psi, a flexural modulus greater than 200,000 psi, stress relaxation over time of not more than 50%, and a transmissivity of light between 400 nm and 800 nm greater than 75%.

1 - 35 . (canceled) 
   
   
       36 . A removable dental positioning appliance, comprising a polymeric shell having cavities shaped to receive and reposition teeth from a first orientation to a successive orientation, wherein the shell comprises transparent polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polymeric laminates and polymeric blends. 
   
   
       37 . The removable dental positioning appliance of  claim 36 , wherein the transparent polymeric material has a tensile strength at yield of greater than 6,000 psi, an elongation at yield of greater than 4%, an elongation at break of greater than 80%, a tensile modulus greater than 200,000 psi, a flexural modulus greater than 200,000 psi, stress relaxation over time of not more than 50%, and a transmissivity of light between 400 nm and 800 nm greater than 75%. 
   
   
       38 . The removable dental positioning appliance of  claim 36 , wherein the transparent polymeric material has a tensile strength at yield of greater than 8,800 psi, an elongation at yield of greater than 5%, an elongation at break of greater than 100%, a tensile modulus greater than 300,000 psi, a flexural modulus greater than 330,000 psi, stress relaxation over time of not more than 30%, and a transmissivity of light between 400 nm and 800 nm greater than 80%. 
   
   
       39 . The removable dental positioning appliance of  claim 36 , wherein the transparent polymeric material is mechanically stable in a saliva environment. 
   
   
       40 . The removable dental positioning appliance of  claim 36 , wherein the transparent polymeric material is chemically resistant to teeth cleaning materials selected from the group consisting of dentifrice, oral rinse, denture cleaner, detergent and bleach. 
   
   
       41 . The removable dental positioning appliance of  claim 40 , wherein dentifrice comprises materials selected from the group consisting of insoluble polishing agents, polyphosphate anti-calculus agents, and surface active agents. 
   
   
       42 . The removable dental positioning appliance of  claim 40 , wherein oral rinse comprises materials selected from the group consisting of ethyl alcohol, humectants, and auxiliary agents. 
   
   
       43 . The removable dental positioning appliance of  claim 40 , wherein denture cleaner comprises materials selected from the group consisting of detergent builders, detergent compounds, alkaline builders, fillers, sequestrants, surfactants, effervescing agents, and bleaching agents. 
   
   
       44 . The removable dental positioning appliance of  claim 36 , wherein the transparent polymeric material has a melting point of at least 150° C. 
   
   
       45 . The removable dental positioning appliance of  claim 36 , wherein the transparent polymeric material comprises uniaxially oriented polymers. 
   
   
       46 . The removable dental positioning appliance of  claim 36 , wherein the transparent polymeric material comprises bi-axially oriented polymers. 
   
   
       47 . The removable dental positioning appliance of  claim 36 , wherein the transparent polymeric material comprises filler material selected from the group consisting of inorganic materials and organic materials. 
   
   
       48 . The removable dental positioning appliance of  claim 36 , wherein the transparent polymeric material comprises inorganic filler material selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, oxygenates, carbonates, halides, and sulfates. 
   
   
       49 . The removable dental positioning appliance of  claim 36 , wherein the transparent polymeric material comprises organic filler material selected from the group consisting of waxes and oligomeric polymers. 
   
   
       50 . The removable dental positioning appliance of  claim 36 , wherein the transparent polymeric material comprises ultra-high molecular weight polymers. 
   
   
       51 . The removable dental positioning appliance of  claim 36 , wherein the transparent polymeric material comprises a polymeric laminate selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate-based laminates and acrylic-based laminates. 
   
   
       52 . The removable dental positioning appliance of  claim 36 , wherein the polymeric material comprises a blend of polymeric materials selected from the group consisting of Paramax® brand polymer, polycarbonates, and polysulfone. 
   
   
       53 - 79 . (canceled)